Porcelain veneers are incredible cosmetic dental appliances that can address a wide range of dental imperfections such as cracks, chips, stains, gaps, and misshapenness in as few as two appointments. Since porcelain is uncannily similar to enamel in appearance, these devices look exactly like natural teeth after being placed, and they are the open secret behind the flawless smiles of many movie stars and media personalities. Here’s a quick overview of the process of placing veneers and the benefits they can provide.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells designed to fit over teeth to conceal defects like chips, cracks, and stains or reshape teeth to resolve gaps or stubbiness. Each veneer is customized to fit the patient according to their goals for the treatment and based on detailed measurements of their oral cavity. These devices can be used to treat even extensive dental imperfections and deliver incredibly lifelike results.
The first step to receiving veneers is to schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist so they can discuss your preferences and determine if you can receive the treatment safely. Veneers are typically placed in two appointments scheduled about two weeks apart.
What Happens during the First Appointment?
The first appointment involves reshaping the teeth to prepare them for veneers and measuring them so the devices can be crafted to an appropriate shape. This process will always begin with the patient receiving an appropriate anesthetic to ensure that they feel no pain, and they may also receive sedation treatment if they need extra help staying calm and still.
Once the patient’s mouth is suitably numb, their dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the teeth being treated to make room for the veneers. Then, they will carefully measure these teeth, cement temporary veneers upon them, and send the patient on their way. The measurements will be sent to a trusted dental lab where a skilled technician will craft the patient’s permanent appliances.
What Happens during the Second Appointment?
The patient will come back to their dentist’s office about two weeks later. Then, their dentist will gently remove the temporary appliances, cement the permanent veneers into place, check them for fit and comfort, and make any final adjustments. The patient will then be ready to greet the world with their gorgeous new smile.
With excellent care, veneers can last for fifteen years or more before needing replacement. Consulting with your dentist can help you determine the best way to achieve your ideal smile.
About the Author
Dr. George A. Hoop earned his dental degree at the Emory University School of Dentistry where he also completed a residency specializing in periodontics. He continues to develop his skillset by participating in continuing education coursework through the Pikos Institute, the Dawson Academy, and the Pankey Institute. His offices in Fort Myers and Naples offer general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers. To schedule your cosmetic dental consultation, contact his office online or dial his Fort Myers office at (239) 939-7299.